Managed retreat in the face of sea level rise: A multi-dimensional framework for climate resilience

Sea level rise, intensifying coastal hazards, and climate driven catastrophes pose a growing threat to low lying communities. Managed retreat has emerged as a critical adaptation strategy involving the strategic relocation of people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. This study reframes managed retreat from a last resort measure to a proactive, socially equitable, and ecologically grounded strategy for climate resilience. We offer a multidimensional approach that incorporates scientific estimates, disaster risk reduction, environmental assessment, community interaction, and economic evaluation. Using contemporary climate modeling and sea level rise estimates, we investigate threats to infrastructure, ecosystems, and vulnerable populations, emphasizing the limitations of constructed “hold the line” defenses. We examined retreat's role in disaster planning, especially where hard protection is not viable, aligning it with the Sendai Framework. Through global and regional case studies, we highlight the importance of trust building, procedural justice, and participatory governance for policy accomplishment. We explore how zoning and voluntary buyouts, among other legal tools, modular infrastructure, and adaptation based on ecosystems all work together to facilitate practical retreat plans. Finally, we weigh the costs of inaction against the long-term advantages of planned migration, identifying potential areas for reinvestment and transformation. This study provides a practical framework to aid policymakers, planners, and communities in developing context specific, equitable, and effective retreat strategies. Ultimately, we contend that retreat should not be interpreted as the abandonment of development, but rather as the realignment of human habitation with climate and ecological realities, thereby integrating sustainability, equity, and adaptation amid climate change. • Presents a multi-dimensional framework for climate-driven managed retreat. • Emphasizes retreat as a proactive adaptation, not just a last resort. • Aligns managed retreat with long-term resilience and sustainability. • Outlines core strategies for resilience and adaptation to sea-level rise, floods and climate driven risks.